In this Cottage Life article, Dan Sharp from Davey Canada says heat and drought stress can cause fall color to show up earlier. 

Posted: October 01, 2026

For leaf peepers anxious to see the first leaves turn, Dan Sharp, an arborist at Davey Tree Expert Co., says Northern Ontario and higher elevation areas generally begin showing colour first, with central Ontario cottage country and southern Ontario following over the coming weeks. Among the first trees to turn are maples.

“This year, many arborists across Ontario have also observed signs of drought and heat stress in maple populations following a challenging growing season,” says Sharp. “In some areas, stressed maples have begun showing fall colour earlier than usual or are displaying patchy colouration as a response to environmental stress.”

Two medium-sized trees with red leaves with a bench in the distance between them.

To read the full article, click here. 

More from Dan Sharp:

The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental and utility infrastructure consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. Established in 1880 and headquartered in Kent, Ohio, Davey has over 12,000 employees who create and deliver sustainable solutions. Davey continues to grow through expertise with the SEED Campus, its newest commitment to training, research and safety. Become part of the Davey legacy by applying today and join one of the top ten largest employee-owned companies in the U.S.

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